Arrivals of undocumented migrants to Greece by sea fell by more than 40% in the first five months of 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to government data released Wednesday, as authorities pointed to intensified coast guard patrols and closer regional coordination.
The sharpest decline was recorded on the so-called eastern Aegean route – from the Turkish mainland to Greek isles – where arrivals dropped 63% to 3,029 from 8,082 during the corresponding period in 2025. Reported trafficking incidents on this route also fell to 118 from 330, authorities said.
Greek officials attributed the decline to an expanded operational presence by the coast guard, tighter surveillance of key maritime corridors and closer cooperation with neighboring countries, especially Turkey.
On the southern migrant smuggling route from Libya to Crete, flows recorded a slight decline of about 3% from last year despite favorable weather conditions.
Earlier Wednesday, a boat carrying 38 migrants was detected 26 nautical miles south of Gavdos during an operation coordinated by Greece’s Joint Rescue Coordination Center. According to the coast guard, the vessel was initially spotted by a Frontex aircraft before the passengers were transferred to Crete.
Meanwhile, Greek authorities have also stepped-up cooperation with the Libyan coast guard, including plans to station a liaison officer in Benghazi and provide training for Libyan personnel.
